Bathroom floor tiles

Bathroom space is mostly exposed to increased humidity, water spillages and requires frequent cleaning. It is very important to make a correct and suitable decision when choosing tiles for this particular area. 

Starting with anti-slip resistance and increased grip under foot and finishing with cleaning practicality and pleasant appearance.In this article we'll look at the main points when choosing the right bathroom floor tiles.

   The Most Important Rules When Choosing Bathroom Floor Tiles

First aspect slip resistance: Floor tiles set the base for the whole bathroom and technically create the perfect environment.

Shower areas have to be built carefully using R10/R11 slip resistant tiles. For extra safety a special sealant can be applied over tiles. The best material for bathroom tiles at a the minute is porcelain which has  very low water absorption and can mimic natural materials  in terms of finish and specifications.

Marquina Classic Marble green

Check technical specifications with the manufacturer:

Always ask for more information which describes the tile. Great appearance does not mean practicality and resilience. Take into account your personal circumstances and preferences like:

 How big is your family?

If the surface is going to work for children and elderly?

And finally, how easy is the maintenance of this floor.

Think about the finish at the same time:

Polished surfaces reflect the light and add a premium feel to the space but are not reliable if you want to avoid slippery surfaces. A more textured or bumpy finish is far more practical.

Find an optimal size which corresponds to your project:

A suitable tile size  saves a lot of waste and does fit better in small bathrooms. At the same time large format tiles can inject a sense of bigger space. Less joints and a continuous surface adds an airy feel. Always discuss the suitable options with your builder before starting to consider any tile.

Always use suitable material for the chosen tile:

Always check and follow the correct process of preparation before tiling. A suitable water proof system( tanking kit) has to be in place. The floor has to be reliable in terms  of weight. Reliable support like backer boards have to be installed.

Green Metal Matt Tiles

  Why should you consider  Porcelain as One of the Best Materials for Bathroom Floors

At the minute most bathroom spaces are built around porcelain floor. These offer great choice in terms of design, low water absorption, durability and hassle free maintenance.

 Technical specifications for porcelain:

Porcelain is a dense, vitrified ceramic material. Under EN 14411, porcelain tiles have a water absorption of 0.5% or less, one of the main characteristics that makes them particularly suitable for areas regularly exposed to moisture.

Some of the key advantages include:

• Very low water absorption – a key quality in bathrooms and other wet areas.
• Hard-wearing surface – perfect  for everyday domestic floor traffic and simple maintenance.
• Easy maintenance – porcelain generally  does not  need the sealing required by  many natural stones, vacuuming and simple mopping is more than enough.
• A vast design choice – porcelain can  copy with accurate detailing materials like  marble, limestone, travertine, terrazzo, concrete, wood and many other finishes.
• Great for different bathroom styles – starting with traditional bathrooms and period properties to minimalist contemporary settings.
• A great variety different sizes – making  porcelain a versatile material which works in small cloakrooms, family bathrooms and spacious en-suites.
• Perfect with underfloor heating systems.
•  Always check specifications and the correct way of installing and using these specific systems with tiles, as incorrect  timing of exploitation or wrong temperature might damage the tiles substrate which will cause movement underneath these and  also can make the tiles to come off
  

Burbank Storm Blue Grey Stone Effect

      Bathroom Floor Tile Sizes

At TileJob, our ranges of  bathroom floor tile have several options which might suit almost every type of bathroom.

For  traditional properties you can opt for 20 × 20 cm and 30 × 30 cm tiles which fit in beautifully and will inject character without compromising the rest of the design.

30 × 60 cm tiles are the most popular. These are compatible with stone, concrete and marble-effect designs and can suit both small and large bathrooms.

Onyx Black Gloss and Matt 30x60cm

60 × 60 cm tiles are perfect for sleek appearance, with fewer grout joints, while 60 × 120 cm large-format tiles can create a premium look with a more elaborated and seamless finish.

We can also strongly recommend  natural stone and porcelain mosaics. Mosaics are a great flooring option for shower areas, bathroom floors, borders and niches. In combination with big tiles you can achieve a balanced and eye-catching design.

    Natural stone or porcelain?

Natural stone is a porous material which needs special care like regular sealing.These are susceptible to spillages and staining. Natural tiles will offer unique look and finish on every tile but be prepared for a very fussy upkeep.

Porcelain has a protective glazing, no sealing required and only a simple cleaning routine is sufficient for a long-lasting performance even for busy places with a lot of traffic. Unlike natural stone there is control over the pattern and colour appearance which creates a more predictable look. Porcelain has low water absorption and is not going to change in time.

Riverstone White Flat Cut Pebble Mosaic

  How to Look After Bathroom Floor Tiles

Bathroom floor tiles have to be cleaned more frequently.

 Here are a few simple steps from Tilejob experts:

1.Vacuum or sweep the floor regularly to remove dust or any accumulated dirt.

2. Use a  pH-neutral tile cleaner 

3. Follow instruction when you mix this with water.

4. Use grout cleaner for joints if needed.

5. Do not use harsh tools or any acidic solutions, these rules are particularly important when cleaning natural stone tiles and mosaics.

6. For mosaic floors make sure to use a flexible grout and a specially designed cleaning solution, go with a soft brush over gently. For a long lasting floor life, a sealant can be applied to preserve the colour of the grout and to prevent limescale building on.

Oaktree Age Young Wood Porcelain Tiles 60x120cm

  Final thoughts

Make the most of your floor tiles by following the correct steps when making your final decision like tile finish and slip resistance. Most of the time matt surface is a safer option with a more practical effect, as gloss will show off any water mark and will require more often cleaning. If you prefer the special personality of stone make sure you learn the correct routine for stone maintenance. If you want an easy-going option consider porcelain and its great resilience. For a more interesting and sophisticated  finish choose a mosaic tile which will add detail and style with every piece.

Take a look at our large selection of floor tiles and get a clearer insight into the different bathroom flooring options available!

Novara Viola Matt Porcelain Tiles 60x120cm